Ontario Supporting Workers to Get Training and Land Jobs in York Region
July 28, 2025
Government investing $2.1 million to help people gain skills needed in the workplace
NEWMARKET — The Ontario government is investing $2.1 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support people in York Region get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs. This investment is part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, protect jobs from U.S. tariffs, and ensure more people can build rewarding careers in their local communities. This investment is part of our government’s $2.5 billion investment to train, retrain, and upskill workers through the Skills Development Fund.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”
In partnership with Fair Chance Learning, 500 qualified participants will have access to the Career Skills Accelerator.
This initiative focuses on equipping participants with in-demand skills tailored to priority sectors such as construction, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. By focusing on these vital industries, the Career Skills Accelerator (CSA) ensures that individuals are prepared to meet current labour market needs. This targeted approach not only bridges the skills gap in key sectors but also drives economic growth and strengthens Ontario’s workforce for the future.
Out of 500 referred participants, 75 will be selected for advanced skill development and will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications through a comprehensive workforce development program. Program durations vary, offering flexible learning paths to accommodate diverse needs and career ambitions.
“This investment is not just about skills training — it’s about transforming lives. By helping 500 participants gain access to in-demand, industry-recognized skills, we’re also helping their families achieve greater financial stability and brighter futures,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket–Aurora. “Stronger paycheques mean stronger households, and when we support workers, we’re also protecting the strength and well-being of our entire community. I’m proud that our government is supporting initiatives like the Career Skills Accelerator that can open doors, create opportunities, and build a more resilient Ontario.”
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions,, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on the government’s mission to protect Ontario, and remain the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
“We are honoured to receive this investment from the Ontario government, which will allow us to expand our efforts to equip Ontarians with the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing workforce,” said Martha Jez, CEO Fair Chance Learning. “Through the Career Skills Accelerator, we can help more people access quality training and industry-recognized certifications, opening doors to rewarding careers in priority sectors. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Ontario where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.
Quick Facts
- So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.
- Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total investment in the SDF to$2.5 billion.
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